News

An excellent first half performance was the difference for the Netball NSW Waratahs as they claimed a 52-37 win over the Canberra Darters in the first game of their Australian Netball League Round 2 double-header at Netball Central on Saturday 7 May.

Going into the game after a win (68-46) and a draw (51-51) against the Queensland Fusion last weekend, the Waratahs looked sharp in the opening periods and were able to open a gap that the Darters couldn’t peg back.

The home side were swift and efficient in the first quarter, with Taylah Davies, Claire O’Brien and Maddie Hay controlling in the mid court and feeding the ball to goal shooter Alison Miller – who rewarded them for their efforts. An eight-goal run for the Waratahs had the Darters in trouble mid way through the first quarter, and NSW went to the first break 14-6 ahead.

It was more of the same in the second period as the Waratahs pressed home their advantage, this time going on a seven-goal streak. The NSW circle defence of Teigan O’Shannassy and Ashley Valeni was tough for the Darters shooting department; resulting in the 31-16 scoreline at the long break.

The Waratahs made changes at halftime with Georgia Marshall coming on at goal attack and Sophie Halpin – who has recently returned after a stint in the English Super League with the Yorkshire Jets – on at wing defence. Both set about their tasks well, however, the Darters were resurgent and starting to find their feet in the game against the New South Wales side.

The third quarter was an even affair with both sides scoring 11 points and Canberra showing they’ll be a big threat when the sides meet again at Netball Central on Sunday 8 May. Darters goal attack Lauren Cantwell’s work rate was impressive for her side at the shooting end as their mid court started to go toe-to-toe with their opponents and win possession, with centre Zoe Haseler also impressing.

The final quarter was another even affair ten apiece (10-10) but no matter how hard they tried, the Darters could not bridge the 15 goal margin to the Waratahs.